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FAQ’s

At Kim Bariatric Institute, we are committed to performing weight loss procedures that enable our patients to experience healthier, longer lives. We are also dedicated to educating our patients so that they have the information they need to proceed with bariatric surgery and make the lifestyle changes that are required after treatment.

We provide detailed information through our Bariatric University program. The list below includes general answers to the questions and concerns that we hear most regularly. For further information, please contact our laparoscopic weight loss surgery practice to schedule your appointment.

Does bariatric surgery work?

Most patients at our practice have heard that these operations work. However, because they have failed numerous diet attempts they are concerned that bariatric surgery will fail as well.

The basis of all bariatric operations is to put a mechanism into place that is a constant reminder that eating behaviors have to change. Whether it is immediately after surgery or 10 years after treatment, these operations limit the amount of food a patient can eat and also remind the patient that wise dietary choices should be made.

Laparoscopic weight loss surgery, healthy eating habits, and moderate exercise have led to a successful formula for thousands of patients at our practice. We invite you to read success stories that some of our patients have shared of their results after bariatric surgery.

Not all of the operations work the same, some may yield different results. Have a private consultation with Dr. David Kim, Dr. Bridget Holden, and their staff of dietitians and patient advocates. Dr. Kim has treated over 6,000 successful patients. They will help you find a successful operation designed to fit your personal needs and lifestyle.

Are there risks to bariatric surgery?

All surgical procedures, whether bariatric or otherwise, have some level of risk. Each laparoscopic weight loss surgery procedure that we offer has different benefits and risks that are associated with it. Dr. Kim, Dr. Holden, and our staff will make sure that you are fully informed of these benefits and risks. We are one of the few laparoscopic weight loss surgery centers in the Dallas, Fort Worth, and Frisco, Texas area to be designated as a “Center of Excellence®” by the American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). Our practice has established this national recognition because we have some of the most effective results and lowest complication rates in the country. His reputation of safety and effective surgery for the past decade of dedication to the field of bariatrics has led to the longest standing “Center of Excellence®” in Texas.

The dangers of living with the chronic disease of obesity hold greater risk than surgery. Morbid obesity will shorten one’s life as well as diminish the quality of one’s life. It is calculated that a morbidly obese patient will lose 10 to 20 years of his or her life. It is believed now that up to 20% of all cancers can be caused by obesity. It is the second leading cause of preventable death, just behind tobacco use.

What are the routine tests before surgery?

Patients may need to undergo a psychological evaluation prior to undergoing bariatric surgery with the gastric sleeve resection, laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery, or LAP-BAND® System. In addition, we require a complete blood count, complete metabolic panel, PT, PTT (to check your blood clotting time), urinalysis to include urine nicotine, along with type- and cross-matching your blood. We will perform a chest X-ray and an electrocardiogram (EKG).

In addition to the routine lab work and tests, you may need additional studies such as a sleep study, EGD, echocardiogram, or stress test for cardiac clearance.

Will my insurance cover the procedure?

It depends on your employer and the plan you have chosen. The plan your employer chooses will dictate if this procedure is a covered benefit when medically necessary or if this procedure is excluded on your particular policy.

Simply complete and submit a contact us form on this site and our team will check your bariatric coverage. Within 48 business hours, we will respond to the email or telephone number you provided to explain the specifics of the coverage you policy provides. We can also schedule your initial consultation with Dr. David Kim or Dr. Bridget Holden during this process. You also have the option of calling the customer service number on your card and ask them if gastric sleeve, gastric bypass surgery or adjustable gastric banding is a covered benefit if medically necessary. The diagnosis code is 278.01. The laparoscopic Gastric bypass procedure code is 43644, the gastric sleeve code is 43775 and the adjustable gastric banding procedure code is 43770.

We know that many patients are worried about paying for their treatment and that these financial concerns can add stress to their lives as they plan for weight loss surgery. We are committed to providing convenient and affordable financing options and we will also work to help you obtain approval from your insurance company. Our insurance experts have enabled many of our patients to receive treatment who otherwise would not have been able to. Contact our laparoscopic weight loss surgery center for more information about financing.

Can I start the insurance process before I schedule my appointment with Dr. Kim or Dr. Holden?

Yes, you can complete the contact us form so that we can verify your benefits prior to scheduling your appointment. In addition to the contact us form, you can complete the patient history packet so that you are prepared to submit it once you schedule your appointment. When you leave your initial consultation, our insurance specialists will have outlined the exact steps needed to meet your insurance companies requirements.

How do I start living my life again?

We look forward to meeting you and helping you start on the path to a new life. We offer consultations all day on Wednesday and Friday mornings in our Colleyville location. Please contact our minimally invasive weight loss surgery center near Dallas, Fort Worth, Texas to schedule your appointment.